If you have recently joined TikTok and explored the app a bit, you have likely noticed that there is a specific TikTok slang used throughout the platform.
Every viral or notable video contains at least one slang word, which puts pressure on all TikTok users, including those who do not belong to Gen Z, to learn TikTok slang if they wish to navigate the platform without issues.
Top TikTok Slang Words You Need To Know
1. Flex = to brag about something
2. Slay = is very good
3. POV = “point of view”
4. Heather = beautiful
5. IB = “inspired by”
6. Straight, trans or gay TikTok = sexual orientation or preference
7. SW = “sexual worker” (or, in some cases = shadowbanned)
8. Sheesh = disbelief
9. BBL = “Brazilian butt lift”
10. Pick Me Girl = girls craving an attention
11. Alt TikTok = the part of TikTok used for humor and memes
12. PFP = “profile picture”
13. Accountant = avoiding answering the question
For this reason, we have compiled some of the most popular TikTok slang words that will help you stand out in a personal algorithm and manage them like a professional.
Table of Contents
Most Popular TikTok Slang
Several TikTok slang words frequently appear, and they are essential if you want to become one of the most popular TikTok users.
Using slang words is essential when uploading TikTok videos, as it is one of the easiest ways to stand out and go viral on social media platforms like this.
Here are some of the most popular TikTok slang words.
1. Flex
Flex is a term frequently used by Gen Z members, referring to the act of bragging about something on social media.
You will often see it used as “weird flex but ok,” and it has quickly become one of the most popular slang terms in a short period of time.
Example:
2. Slay
Although “slay” is a slang term that has been around for some time, it is still often misunderstood by many people.
Its true meaning is that something is currently very good and popular, whether it be a funny video, a new Harry Styles song, or a trending movie.
This is a phrase you will frequently encounter, even in the media, so be sure to remember its true meaning.
Example:
3. POV
POV is an abbreviation commonly used to refer to a specific type of video, meaning point of view.
This is one of the most common types, as POV TikTok videos are currently very popular. They typically illustrate the perspective of an emo guy or a cottagecore girl and are used to showcase various aesthetics.
Example:
4. Heather
Although “Heather” is one of the slang terms you may not encounter often, it is still important to be familiar with it, as it tends to appear frequently on home pages.
It is inspired by Conan Gray’s song and refers to a beautiful, attractive, and desirable person that everyone wishes to resemble.
The term can also refer to the movie Heathers, which was extremely popular among girls in the 90s.
5. IB
IB stands for inspired by, and you will find it below many TikTok videos, in the dance credits, and in audio plays.
When they use this TikTok slang, they are typically referring to the person who inspired them to create that video or viral dance.
Example:
6. Straight TikTok
Slang terms such as straight, trans, or gay TikTok are used when discussing membership in a specific community based on sexual preference or gender identity.
When you observe someone using phrases like this, you can gain additional insights into their sexuality and gender.
7. SW
SW is an abbreviation that requires a comprehensive guide, as it can represent several different meanings.
It is commonly used as shorthand for sex workers due to the large sex work community on TikTok, where you can easily find their videos.
Additionally, it can serve as shorthand for shadowbanned when someone discusses a specific topic or uploads a certain type of video that could result in their account being banned or deleted by this social media platform.
8. Sheesh
This is a phrase you will hear many people on TikTok using to express disbelief, typically when they are amazed by something.
9. BBL
BBL is a slang term that has gained significant popularity in recent months, particularly among Gen Z, and it refers to a Brazilian butt lift.
This cosmetic surgery involves taking fat from one area of your body and transferring it to the buttocks to enhance its size.
Several celebrities have done it, which is also why it became so well-known.
10. Pick Me Girl
Although the term “Pick me girl” did not originate on TikTok, it has become a popular Gen Z slang used to describe someone who pretends to be different from other girls in order to attract attention from guys.
This term is typically used by girls to describe someone as “such a simp,” whether that person is a celebrity or an ordinary guy they encounter on the street.
11. Alt TikTok
Alt is short for alternative, and in Gen Z slang, it refers to a specific part of the app that focuses on quirky humor and memes.
12. PFP
This is a common abbreviation that stands for profile picture. It is typically used in standard videos available on the platform, as people often prefer not to write out the entire phrase.
13. Accountant
The term Accountant on TikTok is actually linked to the Rocky Paterra song. TikTok creators use it to evade questions about topics such as the source of their money and to avoid disclosing any personal information from their real lives.
Since the lyrics state, “nobody asks you questions when you say you’re an accountant,” it has also gained significant popularity among sex workers on both TikTok and OnlyFans.
